Topic: Brussels

Greeks get a government, but Europe needs confidence

The G-20 ended with growing global pressure on German chancellor Angela Merkel to work toward a long-term solution for Europe's sinking economies.

With elections behind them, Greece goes to bat with Germany

Greece's emerging government is expected to ask for more time to implement austerity measures. Germany is saying no. One side will have to back down.

Greece election gives Europe scant breathing room

While Greece is unlikely to withdraw from the Euro zone, Europe still needs to get its financial house in order quickly.

Focus
In Spain, public distrust feeds economic meltdown

In Spain, misinformation and cover-ups have undermined Spaniards' trust in their government and its plan for economic recovery, with repercussions that could resonate all the way in Brussels.

Iran nuclear talks in Moscow may be delayed, say diplomats

Two diplomats close to the Iran nuclear talks, one Iranian and one European, each explain to the Monitor the frustrations and concerns that could delay the June 18-19 talks.

Opinion: Spanish bailout, Greek elections make June a make-or-break month in debt crisis

Europe's debt crisis, magnified by the Spanish bank bailout and Greek elections, puts Europe at a crossroads: move to real fiscal union, which populations don't want, or break apart. There's a way to avoid this awful choice. Build up Europe and build it down at the same time.

Syrian forces shell Homs neighborhood, activists say. Troop assault next?

A rebel-held neighborhood in the Syrian city of Homs was shelled Friday by Syrian troops, according to activists. Also, UN monitors entered the Syrian village where reports of a new massacre have surfaced this week.

Merkel says Europe ready to act as big downgrade hits Spain

Fitch slashes Spain's credit rating three notches to BBB. Germany and the rest of EU are ready to use instruments to support euro zone, Merkel says. 

EU calls for "banking union" to fight debt crisis

The European Commission proposed Wednesday that such a body should oversee banks directly, sidestepping national governments.

France's Afghanistan pull-out signals war fatigue driving European defense cuts

Disillusionment with warfare, coupled with economic troubles, has given European defense cuts strong momentum. But defense experts worry they are being made too haphazardly.

EU still looking for way forward on Greece, growth, and euro zone

The latest summit in Brussels concluded with wide agreement that something needs to be done but with little consensus on what to do.

Global News Blog
Amid eurozone turmoil, Germany borrows money for free

Germany sold $5.7 billion of debt today to yield 0 percent, a reflection of how much Europe's largest economy has diverged from its southern neighbors who are paying far more to borrow.

Stocks mixed after Greek worries resurface

After gaining for most of the day, the Dow only finished up 2 points at 12503 Tuesday, as news out of Greece yanked indexes lower shortly before the closing bell.

Stocks climb, breaking losing streak

Apple stock soared, helping propel major US stock indexes to gains after a solid week of losses. The Dow Jones rose 135 points to close at 12504.

France says 'oui' to euro bonds, but Germany says 'nein'

German finance official says Berlin continues to oppose euro bonds, which would create debt backed jointly by European Union nations. EU members meet Wednesday in Brussels to discuss euro bonds and other growth-enhancing policies.

Hollande takes power in France amidst lightning

After he assumed the presidency in a Paris ceremony, the new French president headed for Germany to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Greece has only one chance left to avoid another election

Socialist party leader Evangelos Venizelos today became the third politician this week to fail at forming a coalition government. If the president does too, Greece will head back to the polls. 

Maurice Sendak beloved by parents and kids around the world

Maurice Sendak, who passed away this week, was beloved by parents and kids around the world, who admired his unique storytelling abilities that could transport the reader into wild worlds of unfettered imagination and wonder.

Maurice Sendak with the Wild Things, now (+video)

The beloved children's book author passed away at 83 after suffering a stroke.

Europe calls Euro 2012 penalty on Ukraine for treatment of Tymoshenko

With Ukraine and Poland preparing to host the Euro 2012 soccer championship, Europe sees it as an opportune time to pressure Ukraine over its treatment of opposition figure Yulia Tymoshenko.

Russia urges NATO to stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the timeline for a NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan. Russia fears a spillover of Islamist militancy into the former Soviet republics on its border.

Panetta apologizes over latest military scandal

Change Agent
Nonviolent Peaceforce helps protect women, children in South Sudan

Brewing conflict with Sudan in the north, and Joseph Kony's LRA in the south, are just two of South Sudan's challenges. Nonviolent Peaceforce is working to protect the population, especially women and children, from these and other threats.

Bosnian war 20th anniversary: Sarajevo residents remember siege victims Friday

The Bosnian war began in 1992 with the siege of Sarajevo. Friday, on the 20th anniversary of the Bosnian war beginning, citizens of Sarajevo are honoring those that were killed in the three-year war.

Why France now backs easing EU sanctions on Myanmar (+video)

France follows the US in supporting a lifting of sanctions on Myanmar after April 1 elections. Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD won a landslide parliamentary election.